Morte fetal em cadelas: estudo retrospectivo dos casos de morte fetal atendidos no setor de Diagnóstico por imagem do Hospital Veterinário Dr. Ivon Macedo Tabosa da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG).

Abstract

Fetal death in female dogs is a common condition in veterinary clinical practice, leading to various issues for the affected female. As a result, diagnostic imaging exams, especially ultrasound and radiography, have become essential complementary diagnostic methods to assist in the final diagnosis. The objective of this study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of cases of fetal death in dogs treated at the Imaging Diagnostic Department of the Prof. Dr. Ivon Macêdo Tabosa University Veterinary Hospital at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Campus Patos – PB, with an emphasis on epidemiological aspects such as breed and age, as well as the main radiographic and ultrasonographic findings. A review of reports of dogs seen in the imaging diagnostic department from January 2018 to December 2022 was carried out. Fifty-four ultrasound and radiographic reports were analyzed, with 96% of cases diagnosed through ultrasound, and 4% diagnosed through radiography. Ten animals were four years old, making it the most prevalent age group. Mixed-breed dogs (SRDs) accounted for 83% of the cases. The most common ultrasonographic findings were the absence of cardiac and fetal movements, while the most common radiographic finding was the presence of radiolucent intrauterine content (gas collection). In conclusion, ultrasound and radiographic evaluation of dogs suspected of fetal death is essential due to the high efficiency of these diagnostic methods.